The Police Museum attracted some 21,500 visitors in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum had to close for some time and the number of visitors was restricted at times.
“We are satisfied with the number of visitors last year, because the pandemic made the year challenging for us as well. We were forced to close the museum for a while during the year, and at other times, the number of visitors was restricted and the visitors had to book their visit in advance. During the year, we posted a total of 14 different info bulletins for visitors on the door of the Police Museum,” says Museum Director, Chief Intendant Tiina Tuulasvaara-Kaleva.
The temporary exhibition “The coloured truth – Art crime in Finland”, which opened in spring 2021, was extremely popular and attracted adult groups in particular.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback about the new exhibition. It is very important for us that museum visitors are pleased with their visit – it means we have succeeded.”
The virtual museum always open
In 2022, no new exhibitions will open at the museum. Instead, the museum curators will focus on the basic work that is not necessarily visible for the general public.
“We keep storage of objects, pictures, films and other materials related to the history of the police. Only a fraction of the objects in our collection are featured in the exhibitions. Moreover, the museum curators are involved in the instruction of police students, offering them an insight into the history of the police force and its influence on and links with present-day policing. We also coordinate the activities of the Finnish police in the areas of history and traditions, including meetings with the police departments’ museum contact persons,” says Tuulasvaara-Kaleva.
“This year, we will continue the work with the Crime Museum collection and revamping the exhibition. The Crime Museum was merged into the Police Museum in 2019, and the merger has been a vast project that is still ongoing.”
For the time being, the Police Museum is closed due to the coronavirus situation. However, you can explore the museum by taking a virtual tour, visiting the online exhibitions and watch our videos on the museum’s YouTube channel. You are welcome to follow us on social media as well!
